SHEPHERDVILLE COLLEGE

Talojongon, Tigaon, Camarines Sur

College of Education Department
First Semester
AY 2020 – 2021
ARTS APPRECIATION
MODULE 5

A. INTRODUCTION

The primary stage of engaging with art is its perception. Subjectivity is illustrated in the way that
selective perception renders one or two details more prominent than others, prompting the viewer to
focus on some details as essential or as standouts. In the arts, there are also observable qualities that the
artwork holds that will point to its subject, and sometimes even to its content.

Initial Task (10%): If you will be given a chance to make your own artwork, what would be
your main subject all about and why? Briefly explain your answer in your SAQ’s answer
sheet.

B. COMPETENCY 3: Subject and Content of Art

 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:

1. Differentiate representational art and non-representational art;

2. Discuss the difference between an artwork’s subject and its content;
3. Identify the subject matter and content of specific examples of art; and

 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Subject of Art – refers to the visual focus that may be extracted from the artwork.
2. Representational Art – type of art that have subjects referring to objects or events occurring in the
real world.
3. Non-representational Art – type of art that do not make reference to the real world.
4. Still Life – a collection of inanimate objects arranged together in a specific way.
5. Landscape – natural scenery such as mountains, cliffs, rivers, etc.
6. Nature – a focused view or interpretation of specific natural elements.
7. Portraiture – an image of a particular person or animal, or group thereof.
8. Abstract – a non-representational work of art.
9. Day of the Dead – a Mexican holiday, with a vibrant artistic tradition.
10. Content of Art – refers to the meaning that is expressed and communicated by the artist or the
artwork.
11. Factual Meaning – extracted from the identifiable or recognizable forms in the artwork.
12. Conventional Meaning – acknowledged interpretation of artwork using motifs, signs, and symbols.
13. Subjective Meaning – meanings that came from viewers or audience’s circumstances, and
experiences.
  CONTEXT
Subject of Art – It refers to the visual focus that may be extracted from the artwork. There are
two main types of art’s subject; Representational and Non-representational.
1. Representational Art
- These types of art have subjects that refer to objects or events occurring in the real world. It is also
known as “figurative art.”
- These types of art also pertain to a painting or sculpture that is “clearly recognizable” for what it claims
to be.
- Below are some of the examples of representational art.

“Mona Lisa” (1503) by Leonardo da Vinci “Boy Leading a Horse” (1905) by Pablo “Palay Maiden” (1920) by Fernando

2. Non-representational Art
- Art forms that do not make reference to the real world, whether it is a person, place, thing, or even a
particular event.
- It is stripped down only to visual elements to translate a particular emotion and concept.
- Best example of non-representational art is an abstract art.
- However, note that abstract art can be a representational art since even the abstraction of an artwork, it
can still form a real image through visual elements.
- Below are some examples of abstract art.

SAQ #1 (15%): What do you think are the challenges of interpreting art in terms of its subject and content? Give
examples. Express your thoughts in no more than 150 words. Your work will be evaluated by the criteria below.
Criteria:
Rationality of ideas – 7%
Organization of thoughts – 5%
Adherence to instructions – 3%
TOTAL – 15%
 Six (6) Main Kinds of Subject
1. Still Life – a collection of inanimate objects arranged together in a specific way.
2. Landscape – natural scenery such as mountains, cliffs, rivers, etc.
3. Nature – a focused view or interpretation of specific natural elements.
4. Portraiture – an image of a particular person or animal, or group thereof.
5. Abstract – a non-representational work of art.
6. Day of the Dead – a Mexican holiday, with a vibrant artistic tradition.
- Below are examples of each kind of subject.

“Fruits and Liquors” Still Art, Unknown artist “Mountain Village “Landscape Art by Paul Cezanne “Lilies” Nature Art, Unknown artist

Portrait Art by Rhea Beatriz “Souls Dancing in Circles” Abstract Art, Unknown artist “Bride” Day of the Dead Art by William Webb

SAQ #2 (15%): How does these six main kinds of subjects play significant role in helping the artist decide as to
what kind of subject he/she will integrate in his/her artwork? Cite examples to support your ideas. Your work will
be rated by the criteria presented in SAQ #1.

Content of Art – It refers to the meaning that is expressed or communicated by the artists or the artwork.
1. Factual Meaning – It the most simple level of meaning. Extracted from the identifiable or recognizable
forms in the artwork.
2. Conventional Meaning – Pertains to the acknowledged interpretation of the artwork using motifs,
signs, and symbols. Established through time, strengthened by recurrent use and wide acceptance by its
audience who study them.
3. Subjective Meaning – A particular work of art that is consulted and read. Meanings that came from the
viewers or audience’s circumstances and experiences. Meanings may not be singular, rather, they are
multiple and varied.

For further understanding of the discussion and to answer the SAQ numbers 3 & 4, please refer
to the video provided on how to analyze the subject matter of a work of art by clicking the link
below at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlvzDTsaEPg
SAQ #3 (15%): As an art app student, how are you going to differentiate how are you going to differentiate from
one another the factual, conventional, and subjective meaning of the content of art? Substantially elaborate your
thoughts in no more than 150 words. Be guided by the criteria presented in SAQ #1.

SAQ #4 (30%): Examine the artwork below painted by Emile Friant on 1888. After examining, what are your
speculations or assumptions on its contents based on its factual, conventional, and subjective meanings? Justify your
claims by giving supporting ideas or details. Your work will be graded by the essay rubric presented below.
Essay Rubric
SCALE DESCRIPTION
30 points Facts are consistently detailed / precise and very relevant. Uses correct spelling and grammar effectively almost all of
the time. Addresses the questions completely.
25 points Most facts are detailed / precise and relevant. Uses spelling and grammar with considerable accuracy and effectiveness.
Addresses the questions but left out few details.
20 points Lacks few substantial details and facts to support ideas. Spelling and grammar require moderate editing. Addresses the
question, but provided few details.
15 points More specific details and facts are needed to support opinions. Spelling and grammar require considerate editing.
Addresses the question, but with very few details.

Artwork to be examined

 Enrichment / ICT Integration: For further understanding of the lesson, watch the link of the videos
given below.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAmilz1Hdgk&feature=share titled “Subject and Content of
Art” published by Julie De Vries on February 17, 2018.
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlvzDTsaEPg&feature=share titled “How to analyze the subject
matter of an artwork?” published by Dr. Karen D. Devers on June 28, 2014.
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSMncp5JKhM&feature=share titled “How To Look at A
Painting: And Discover a New World” published by LandmarkMediaIinc on October 23, 2013
 D. SUMMARY
• One may begin by looking at perceivable features of the artwork. Taking note of what is apparent will
provide clues as to what the intended meaning of the artist might be.
• Knowing more about the context of its creation—from the artist’s inspiration, reference or source, will
prove useful in understanding the meaning of the artwork.
E. REFERENCES
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAmilz1Hdgk&feature=share titled “Subject and Content of
Art” published by Julie De Vries on February 17, 2018.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlvzDTsaEPg&feature=share titled “How to analyze the subject
matter of an artwork?” published by Dr. Karen D. Devers on June 28, 2014.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSMncp5JKhM&feature=share titled “How To Look at A
Painting: And Discover a New World” published by LandmarkMediaIinc on October 23, 2013

F. EVALUATION (30%): Concisely share your understanding about the questions below. Write your
answer in your answer sheet. Your answers will be evaluated by the criteria given in SAQ #1.

1. In your own opinion where do artists source their subjects? (15%)

2. How important is perception in engaging in art particularly at extracting its contents? (15%)

ASSIGNMMENT (To be submitted during the first face-to-face session)

1. Think of a particular kind of subject and decide what form of art you are most interested
of. Now, it’s time for you to do your Activity # 2 in your personalized art workbook. You
can select whether you’ll draw, paint using acrylic, water color, or other different
materials available. Say something about the subject and content of your second artwork
at the bottom portion of your art workbook by means of interpreting it. Words must not
exceed to 300. Your artwork will be graded by the criteria below.
CRITERIA
Subject’s Originality 30%
Content’s Originality 30%
Interpretation of Subject and Content 40%
TOTAL 100%

Prepared by:

MENARD JONAS B. MESOGA, LPT

Instructor, Arts Appreciation